but "dallas" became a hit and part of television history. in his last sitdown interview with wfaa, hagman revealed -- >> i thought we would get six shows out of this and walk away and go on vacation. >> reporter: no vacation, as hagman's character, the mischievous oil tycoon and his antics made "dallas" one of the biggest hits in the '80s. and recently, hagman and his co-stars were reunited as the show was retooled for modern times. >> i hate to hit a man below the belt. but you know i will. >> reporter: he also made the cowboy hat cool to wear. hagman died last night due to complications from throat cancer. the family released a statement saying, larry's family and close friends had joined him in dallas for the thanksgiving holiday. when he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. it was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for. in 1995, hagman battled cirrhosis of the liver and was later given a transplant. he revealed his illness was the result of heavy drinking that started when he was a teen. >> i liked to be drug kicking and screa